After finishing second place last year, the Shamrocks hope to run for the State Championship

Yuma, Arizona – Running in the heat is more manageable than you might think.

That’s the approach Uma Catholic cross-country takes daily as they gear up for another shot at the state championship.

“If you can run in the heat, you know you can run anywhere,” remarked Mary Theresa Betag, whose brother coaches the Shamrocks.

She puts in a lot of effort as a runner, so balancing speed with endurance, especially in tough conditions, can be a real mental challenge.

It’s one thing to say you need a strong mindset, particularly with younger athletes joining the team.

Fortunately for the Shamrocks, rival Luke Lee, last year’s state champion, isn’t too concerned about the incoming freshmen.

“There are quite a few fast freshmen, and a lot of new faces. This year, we get to compete as a team, which is exciting,” Lee noted.

Angelina Ahn believes involving younger athletes in YC Cross Country is beneficial for building connections.

“Last year, we had just 14 runners. Now we’re over 20, and I’m really excited about forming those bonds, since team dynamics matter a lot,” Ahn said.

Regardless of age, second-year captain Ricardo Rosales emphasizes high expectations for the team.

“Expect a lot from us. New faces joined, and some veterans are back. We want to win a state title, and I believe in our potential,” Rosales stated. “People may not have noticed us in recent years, but I truly think this could be our year.”

The runners understand the path ahead, highlighting mental toughness as a crucial aspect of their sport.

“When you’re running, the heat and pain are always on your mind, so I try to focus on something else,” Arnn explained. “I think about my family and how I’m doing this for my team, not just myself.”

While personal achievements are nice, cross-country is ultimately a team sport, and the Shamrocks are determined to make a collective return to the state championship.

For now, Uma Catholic is set to head to Mesa this weekend for the Nike Desert Twilight Meet.